Recognized As Youngest Person To Perform Feat

The 23-year-old black man who enthralled thousands earlier this year by flying his Columbia 400 around the world, solo, received national recognition for the feat Tuesday... with a resolution by the US House of Representatives.

Barrington Irving was formally recognized as the youngest person ever, as well as the first black person, to fly around the world solo in the bill sponsored by Florida Congressmen Alcee Hastings and Kendrick Meek.

"When the younger generation is looking for a role model and hero, they need to look no further than Barrington Irving," Meek told The Miami Herald. "This young pilot proved that when you dream big dreams and work hard, the extraordinary is possible. I am honored to call Barrington Irving a constituent."

As ANN reported, Irving began his 26,000 mile flight in March aboard "Inspiration" -- which was assembled by the former Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing Company, from over $300,000 in components donated to Irving by a variety of aerospace companies.

Supporters tracked Irving's progress on the three-month trip via his blog, and an online flight tracker. Irving landed in Opa-locka, FL on June 27.

"It's just so humbling to know that something that started so small is now being recognized across the nation," Irving said. "But, no matter, what the greatest award will always be the impact that I've made on youth and teaching them they can do or be anything."

Irving also received another honor recently. He was named one of the most powerful black people under age 40 in this month's issue of Black Enterprise magazine... sharing pages with such luminaries as Tiger Woods, Sean "Diddy" Combs and Washington, DC Mayor Adrian Fenty.

FMI: www.experienceaviation.org, www.congress.gov